Carlo Ancelotti praises two Real Madrid stars for El Clasico win

Coming into the first El Clasico of the season, there was no gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both sat on the same number of points and Xavi’s side were actually ahead on goal difference. There is a difference now though, as Los Blancos walked out of Santiago Bernabeu with an important 3-1 win.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Real Madrid after some superb work in the middle of the park from Toni Kroos. Federico Valverde would double the lead with a sublime strike from the edge of the box. Ferran Torres grabbed one back for Barcelona but then Rodrygo would make it 3-1 from the spot to seal the win and all three points.

There were a number of great performers for Real Madrid on the day. But two who stood out particularly were Kroos and Valverde. Not only did they have an impact on the scoreline but on the overall play as well.

As reported by ESPN, Carlo Ancelotti said after the game:

"“Kroos and Valverde were very, very good, in different ways.“Kroos helped us play out from the back and he was strong defensively… Valverde is getting used to playing in this position [on the right]. He’s scoring goals, and he has spectacular energy.”"

Ancelotti reserves special praise for Real Madrid duo after El Clasico win over Barcelona

There have been rumours that Kroos is considering retirement. Well, based on this performance, the German midfielder could go on for years. He is still playing at the top of his game and dominated Barcelona in the middle of the park.

On the other hand, Valverde is emerging as an undroppable for Real Madrid this season. He was always a very highly rated player and admired for what he brought to the team, but now, he has added goals to his game as well. And not only that, he is playing incredibly well in multiple positions.

Of course, everybody on the Real Madrid team deserves credit for the win, which leaves them sitting at first and three points ahead of Barcelona in the La Liga table.